Xbox Series S: Games Running At 120 FPS

by Jhon Lennon 40 views

The Xbox Series S is a fantastic console that offers a smooth gaming experience, especially when you dive into the world of high frame rates. For gamers who value fluidity and responsiveness, hitting that sweet spot of 120 FPS (frames per second) can be a game-changer. Let's explore the games that support 120 FPS on the Xbox Series S, giving you an edge in competitive play and a visually pleasing experience. We'll also look at what makes 120 FPS gaming so desirable and how to optimize your setup to achieve these higher frame rates. So, grab your controller, and let's get started!

Why 120 FPS Matters

First off, why should you even care about 120 FPS? Well, the main reason is smoothness. When a game runs at 120 FPS, it means the screen is updating 120 times per second. This is double the standard 60 FPS that you might be used to on older consoles or less powerful hardware. The result? Motion appears much smoother, input lag is reduced, and the overall gaming experience feels more responsive. This can be particularly beneficial in fast-paced action games, racing games, and competitive shooters where every millisecond counts.

Think of it this way: imagine watching a movie at 24 frames per second versus watching it at 60 frames per second. The 60 FPS version will look much clearer and more fluid. The same principle applies to gaming. The higher the frame rate, the more information your brain receives per second, making the game world feel more lifelike and immediate. This can lead to improved reaction times and a more immersive experience. For competitive gamers, a higher frame rate can literally give you an edge over your opponents, allowing you to react faster and more accurately.

Beyond the competitive advantages, 120 FPS can also reduce eye strain. When the image is smoother, your eyes don't have to work as hard to track motion on the screen. This can be especially noticeable during long gaming sessions. So, not only does 120 FPS make your games look and feel better, but it can also be more comfortable for your eyes.

Games That Shine at 120 FPS on Xbox Series S

Okay, so which games can you actually play at 120 FPS on the Xbox Series S? Here's a rundown of some titles that support this higher frame rate:

  • Halo Infinite: The multiplayer mode offers 120 FPS, providing a super smooth experience for Spartans in action.
  • Call of Duty: Warzone: Engage in intense battles with enhanced fluidity at 120 FPS.
  • Gears 5: Experience the gritty action of Gears with incredibly smooth visuals.
  • Ori and the Will of the Wisps: This visually stunning platformer benefits greatly from the increased frame rate, making the experience even more magical.
  • Rainbow Six Siege: Gain a competitive edge in tactical battles with 120 FPS support.
  • Rocket League: Enjoy the fast-paced car soccer action with incredibly smooth and responsive controls.
  • Fortnite: Build, battle, and dance your way to victory with enhanced fluidity.
  • Doom Eternal: Rip and tear through hordes of demons with unparalleled smoothness.

This isn't an exhaustive list, and new games are constantly being optimized to take advantage of the Xbox Series S's capabilities. Always check the game settings to ensure that 120 FPS mode is enabled, as it may not be the default setting.

Optimizing Your Setup for 120 FPS Gaming

So, you've got your Xbox Series S and you're ready to experience the glory of 120 FPS gaming. But before you dive in, there are a few things you need to check to ensure you're getting the best possible experience.

Display Requirements

The most important thing is your display. To display 120 FPS, you need a monitor or TV that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate is how many times per second the display updates the image. If your display only supports 60Hz, you won't be able to see the benefits of 120 FPS, even if the game is running at that frame rate. Make sure your display has an HDMI 2.1 port, which is required to output 120 FPS at 1080p or 1440p resolutions. Some older HDMI standards may not support these higher refresh rates, especially at higher resolutions.

Cable Considerations

Speaking of HDMI cables, make sure you're using a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable. A poor-quality cable can cause signal loss or other issues that prevent you from getting a stable 120 FPS signal. Look for cables that are specifically certified for HDMI 2.1 to ensure they meet the necessary specifications. Don't cheap out on this – a good cable is a worthwhile investment for a smooth gaming experience.

Xbox Settings

Next, you need to configure your Xbox Series S settings. Go to the Xbox settings menu and navigate to the display options. Make sure that the resolution is set to either 1080p or 1440p, as these are the resolutions that the Xbox Series S typically uses for 120 FPS gaming. Enable the 120Hz refresh rate option. If it's not enabled, your console won't output at 120 FPS, even if the game supports it. Also, ensure that Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is enabled if your display supports it. VRR helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother gaming experience.

In-Game Settings

Finally, check the in-game settings. Some games may have a specific option to enable 120 FPS mode. This option may be buried in the graphics settings or the display settings. If you can't find it, consult the game's documentation or online forums to see if there are any specific steps you need to take to enable 120 FPS. Keep in mind that enabling 120 FPS may require you to lower other graphics settings, such as resolution or detail levels, to maintain a stable frame rate. The Xbox Series S is a powerful console, but it's not a magic bullet. You may need to make some compromises to achieve 120 FPS in certain games.

The Trade-Offs: Resolution vs. Frame Rate

It's important to note that the Xbox Series S is not as powerful as the Xbox Series X. As a result, you may have to make some trade-offs to achieve 120 FPS in certain games. The most common trade-off is resolution. While the Xbox Series X can often run games at 4K resolution and 60 FPS (or even 120 FPS in some cases), the Xbox Series S typically targets 1080p or 1440p when running at 120 FPS. This means that the image may not be as sharp or detailed as it would be at a higher resolution.

However, many gamers find that the increased smoothness and responsiveness of 120 FPS are worth the trade-off in resolution. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer a sharper image, while others prioritize frame rate. Experiment with different settings to see what works best for you.

Another potential trade-off is graphical detail. To maintain a stable 120 FPS, the Xbox Series S may need to reduce the level of detail in certain games. This could mean fewer environmental effects, lower-quality textures, or simpler lighting models. Again, this is a trade-off that you may need to make to achieve a higher frame rate. In many cases, the difference in graphical detail is not that noticeable, especially when you're focused on the gameplay.

Is 120 FPS Worth It?

So, is 120 FPS gaming on the Xbox Series S worth it? The answer depends on your priorities. If you're a competitive gamer who values responsiveness and fluidity above all else, then 120 FPS is definitely worth it. The increased smoothness can give you a competitive edge, allowing you to react faster and more accurately. If you're more of a casual gamer who prioritizes visual fidelity, you may prefer to stick with 60 FPS and higher resolutions.

However, even if you're not a hardcore gamer, you may still appreciate the benefits of 120 FPS. The smoother motion can make games feel more immersive and enjoyable, and it can also reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the best way to decide if 120 FPS is worth it for you is to try it for yourself. Experiment with different games and settings to see what you prefer.

The Future of 120 FPS Gaming

As technology continues to evolve, 120 FPS gaming is becoming more and more common. The Xbox Series S is a great example of a console that makes high frame rate gaming accessible to a wider audience. As developers continue to optimize their games for the Xbox Series S and other platforms, we can expect to see even more titles supporting 120 FPS in the future. This is an exciting trend for gamers who value smoothness and responsiveness.

In the future, we may also see new technologies that make it easier to achieve high frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity. For example, techniques like upscaling and frame generation could allow consoles to render games at lower resolutions and then upscale them to higher resolutions while maintaining a smooth frame rate. This could help to bridge the gap between the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X, allowing the Series S to deliver more visually impressive games at 120 FPS.

So, if you're looking to get the most out of your Xbox Series S, consider investing in a 120Hz display and exploring the world of high frame rate gaming. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.

Final Thoughts

The Xbox Series S is a powerful little console that punches above its weight, especially when it comes to 120 FPS gaming. With the right setup and the right games, you can experience a level of smoothness and responsiveness that was once only available on high-end PCs. So, dive in, experiment with different settings, and discover the joys of 120 FPS gaming on your Xbox Series S! You won't regret it.